4 reasons to protect your eyes from UV this winter

Eyes are precious little things, aren't they? They open the whole world up to us and we only get one go at 'em, so taking care of them is pretty important. Where would we be without being able to see the glorious things in nature, the smiles on our kids' faces and the beauty of a sumptuous home-cooked meal? Scary thought.

One of our eyes' worst enemies is the dread UV light (ultraviolet radiation), so remembering a snazzy pair of specs or sunnies that come with built-in UVA and UVB ray protection is a must if we want to protect our eyes from what we're reminded are four of the most common eye afflictions out there...

Cataracts

It is estimated that around 20% of cataracts are caused or made worse by UV exposure. A cataract is where the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision or blindness if not removed.

The 'P' is silent on this tough-looking name, but the affects most definitely are not. A pterygium is when light enters the side of the eye closest to the ears can be internally reflected (like fibre optic cabling) and come to a focal point on the side of the eye closest to the nose. This can cause ptergyium, which is a wing of fleshy tissue which grows over the front surface of the eye. They can become very irritated as they grow over the eye and affect your vision.

A wraparound style of sunnies or a thicker frame can often stop this nasty damage from happening. Or, just doest as this emoji mug does and go with a gigantic option! This adorable little sunnies-themed mug is only $12.99 from BHG Shop. Click here.

Macular degeneration

This is a nasty result of sun exposure and damage to the eye, whereby the central vision is affected and often rendered useless. It happens thanks to short wavelength radiation and blue light in bright sunshine, which causes damage to the sensor layer at the back of the eye (the retina), along with the part of this layer responsible for central vision (the macular).

When it comes to light damage, every little bit helps, so perhaps a nice umbrella to block any harmful rays isn't the worst idea? Here's an adorably bright option that will make passers-by jealous. Get it on BHG Shop here.

Eye cancer

Long term UV exposure can be associated with cancers affecting the eyes and surrounding lids. The Cancer Council advises that in 2013 in QLD alone 81 people were diagnosed with eye cancer and 21 died from the disease. Sunglasses are your best friend in fighting against this!